KOTA BARU, May 10 — Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has cautioned that the El Nino phenomenon currently affecting the country is expected to persist for the next two months. Speaking to reporters after launching the Madani NRES adopted village in Kampung Aril, Melor, Nik Nazmi stated that his ministry, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), will closely monitor the weather transition during this period.
Highlighting forecasts indicating the likelihood of this year being Malaysia’s hottest, Nik Nazmi noted that the last instance of such extreme heat was recorded in Perlis back in 1998. He pointed out that Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah are currently experiencing higher temperatures compared to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Despite expectations for rain to alleviate the situation, Malaysians are advised to brace for hotter days ahead for another one to two months, with the Meteorological Department closely monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, Nik Nazmi emphasized the need for vigilance regarding haze and potential peat fires, with his ministry prepared to collaborate with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry to monitor water levels. Cloud seeding exercises may be necessary, although their feasibility depends on weather conditions and associated costs, which Nik Nazmi plans to discuss with the state government. In light of the scorching weather, he also urged students to stay hydrated and wear suitable school uniforms.
